Due to concerns around Covid-19, we are prioritizing the health and safety of our clients and staff and will be temporarily closed effective March 18. We plan to reopen to the community onJune 8. Please email or call our studio if you would like to schedule a future massage. We are sorry for any inconvenience.

Blog

February is American Heart Month

Yes, February makes us think of Valentine’s Day and love is in the air, but what about your heart health?

Fact is, heart disease is the number one killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. Heart disease affects all women differently, and signs and symptoms are different for women than they are for men. There are many misconceptions about heart disease in women. Making sure you are well informed about your own personal health, risk factors and actions you can take can help you keep your heart healthy and strong.

The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement (https://www.goredforwomen.org/) advocates for more research and swifter action for women’s heart health. Their first recommendation for women is to “Know Your Numbers.” Women are encouraged to schedule a visit with their doctor to learn their personal health numbers including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index (BMI) and assess their risk for heart disease and stroke.

Once you have met with your doctor and understand your five key numbers, you should assess your risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Some risk factors will be out of your control unfortunately, but others can be treated, managed or controlled with the help of your doctor:

Risk factors that can be managed:

High blood pressure – high blood pressure makes the heart work harder than normal. If untreated, it scars and damages your arteries. For women, you are at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure if you are 20lbs+ overweight, have a family history of high blood pressure or have reached menopause

Smoking - smoking increases the risk of heart disease and stroke by 2 to 4 times. When you stop smoking, your risk for heart disease and stroke can be cut in half just one year later and continues to decline until it’s as low as a nonsmoker’s risk

High blood cholesterol – cholesterol can build in the inner walls of your arteries over time. When it hardens, it turns into plaque. The plaque can narrow arteries and reduce blood flow which can cause heart problems

Obesity or overweight – being overweight strains your heart and raises your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as increases your risk for diabetes

Diabetes – Adults with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to have heart disease or a stroke than adults without diabetes

Risk factors you can’t control:

Age

Gender

Family health history

Race

Previous stroke or heart attack

While we all know you can’t change risk factors like age and family history, the good news is that even small changes to your lifestyle and diet can help improve your heart health and lower your risk by as much as 80%. What are some changes you can make today to improve your heart health?

Reduce blood sugar – Reduce added sugars in your diet. The American Heart Association recommends limiting the amount of added sugars you consume to no more than half of your daily discretionary calorie allowance

Get active – Daily activity can increase your length and quality of life

Eat better – Easier said than done, but your heart will thank you for it. A healthy diet is one of your best weapons for fighting heart disease

Increasing the awareness of heart disease in women keeps more women healthy and ultimately, saves lives. Know your own personal risks for the disease and take action so you can lead a heart healthy life!

*Each Elements Massage® studio is independently owned and operated. Massage session rates and promotional offers vary; see individual studios for pricing and offer details. Massage sessions include time for consultation and dressing.

Elements Therapeutic Massage is not involved in, and is not responsible for, employment and personnel decisions made by any Elements Massage® franchise owner. Benefits vary by independently owned and operated Elements Massage® studios; see studio for details.

The Elements Promise™ is not transferable and may not be redeemed for cash, bartered or sold. Void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. Substitute massage session equal in value and duration to original massage session; gratuity not included. Substitute massage session cannot be combined with any other offer. Other restrictions may apply; see individual studios for details.